Kostitsyn suspended

Will miss game against Kazakhs

The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one-game suspension to Belarusian forward Andrei Kostitsyn for a check to the head infraction.

Kostitsyn will miss Belarus’ next game against Kazakhstan on 11th May.

The infraction occurred in his team’s opening game against the United States. With 5:38 left in the game Kostitsyn approached U.S. player Kevin Donovan from behind and delivered a two-handed cross-check to the head and neck area. He was assessed a two-minute penalty for cross-checking on the play.

Following a review of that play and a hearing with Kostitsyn, the Disciplinary Panel determined that Kostitsyn’s action was careless and endangered the safety of Donovan. The Panel agreed that the cross-check was in violation of Rule 540 governing Checking to the Head and Neck and that additional disciplinary measures in the form of a one-game suspension is warranted.